The Guardian's Best Biographies and Memoirs of 2024

Explore the most compelling personal histories of 2024, featuring renowned figures and their extraordinary lives.

Cover of Didion and Babitz

Didion and Babitz

3.0

Unlock the enigmatic world of Joan Didion through the lens of her complex friendship and rivalry with Eve Babitz, revealed through intimate …

Cover of The Strangers

The Strangers

4.5

A richly imaginative and empathetic exploration of five remarkable Black men, delving into themes of race, estrangement, and the search for …

Cover of Hardy Women

Hardy Women

3.8

Explore the complex lives of the women behind Thomas Hardy's literary genius in this insightful and revealing biography.

Cover of Wild Thing

Wild Thing

4.3

Discover the untold story of Paul Gauguin, a misunderstood artist whose bold life and work challenged conventions and championed indigenous …

Cover of Nightshade Mother

Nightshade Mother

4.5

A poignant memoir that explores the haunting effects of a toxic mother-daughter relationship, blending raw emotion with the healing power of…

Cover of The Art of Power

The Art of Power

3.3

Nancy Pelosi shares her transformative journey from housewife to House Speaker, detailing her battles, triumphs, and the historic legacy she…

Cover of A Woman Like Me

A Woman Like Me

3.7

Diane Abbott's inspiring journey from a working-class Jamaican family in 1960s London to becoming the UK's first elected Black female MP, fi…

Cover of Knife

Knife

4.0

Salman Rushdie's gripping account of survival and recovery after a brutal attack, blending personal reflection with a meditation on art, lov…

Cover of Sonny Boy

Sonny Boy

3.7

A deeply personal memoir by Al Pacino, tracing his journey from a tumultuous childhood in the South Bronx to becoming one of Hollywood's mos…

Cover of A Thousand Threads

A Thousand Threads

4.4

Neneh Cherry's electrifying memoir takes you on a journey through her iconic career, from punk rock to pop stardom, and the family legacy th…

The Guardian's Best Biographies and Memoirs of 2024 showcases a diverse collection of captivating personal histories that offer unique insights into the lives of notable individuals. This list includes Salman Rushdie's account of his near-fatal stabbing, a comprehensive look at Queen Elizabeth II's reign, and Al Pacino's rags-to-riches career. Other highlights include a rich portrait of Pamela Churchill Harriman, a joint biography of Joan Didion and Eve Babitz, and a group biography of five pioneering Black men. The list also features memoirs from Hillary Clinton, Diane Abbott, and Cher, among others, providing a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives. These books not only chronicle the lives of their subjects but also offer profound reflections on power, resilience, and the human condition, making them essential reads for anyone interested in personal narratives and historical insights.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/dec/07/best-books-2024-people-hillary-clinton-al-pachino-cher